I'm A Conservative In A Liberal Land | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I'm A Conservative In A Liberal Land

It was interesting growing up Republican in a liberal state.

47
I'm A Conservative In A Liberal Land
Mapsof.net

“Oh, you’re a republican? Must be because of your parents. Don’t you have a brain of your own? Why would you even be a part of that party, don’t they all support Trump? How can you be so narrow-minded?”

It’s never been easy to live in an incredibly liberal state and have a completely different viewpoint than everyone around me. As I was growing up I heard countless dinner conversations and news channels talking about this word: politics. My parents were both involved, as was my grandfather, my uncle, and I’m sure a few more relatives somewhere. Anytime my parents were going off to a meeting, there was a fair chance it had something to do with politics.

In elementary and middle school, this didn’t affect me, of course. I was too busy getting my fake fingernails stuck to my second grade desk to spend time focusing on who was running for what. Middle school came around and I started to hear and comprehend more of what was going on around me in the realm and I started creating my own opinions on matters. I wasn’t having deep intellectual conversations with my friends about issues—I was focused on getting straight A’s in all of my classes.

There was never a set of points that I was forced to agree with during these conversations, it was just that—a conversation.

Then I started high school. Two of the middle schools in my district fed into one high school and we had another set of people to deal with. This meant plenty of new opinions to weigh in on every issue that plagued our nation, especially with such astute young minds gathering for six-odd hours of every day. Plenty of time was spent doing classwork and the like, but as time went on I saw that more often than not, I was called out in class for being a known Republican.

As most of my class associated with the Democratic Party, I was the only one with an opposing viewpoint that they all took advantage of. If there was ever a debate you could bet that I was the lone ranger supporting my opinions to the vociferous cries of my classmates bashing my views (but never offering true support of their own). Whenever an argument arose, I would think about my position before immersing myself in the conversation because it’s important to have factual support of any claim that you substantiate. This was not always the case for my classmates, and in the occasion that I didn’t have evidence I would bow out of the conversation. Somehow this still made me the bad person.

In college, I learned that I couldn’t speak my own opinion without being given dirty looks and angry Facebook responses on statuses, so I only argued when I had facts. You see, the people I’ve encountered always seem to attack on a personal level, and never with actual support of anything they say. It’s funny how that works—even if you don’t have facts, you can still attack someone and get more “likes” on a post than someone who has factual information.

So, I became the well-known republican. I didn’t always argue, but when I did there was factual evidence to support my claims. But the real problem is that when you grow up in a place so saturated with one viewpoint, there is no argument. There is only one voice heard. That voice attempted to silence mine. Unfortunately, it never will.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25192
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10503
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7735
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments